What is the Cold Chain?
The cold chain refers to the temperature-controlled supply chain that keeps products cool throughout their distribution stages. This process starts from the moment the raw materials for a product are produced all the way to when the customer receives the finished product.
Cold chain management is an essential process for manufacturers of temperature-sensitive products, since the quality of the products, as perceived by the customers, depends on whether the product has been maintained at the right temperature.
Through utilising refrigerated vehicles with cold storage mechanisms, the cold chain maintains and extends the durability, freshness and quality of products. In addition, the environmental impact and waste of materials are minimised through effective cold chain management as all products are kept in their ideal conditions; allowing for optimised product lifespans.
Applications Within The Cold Chain
Many industries utilise the cold chain, ranging from:
- Food & Drink: transporting frozen food, seafood, agricultural produce.
- Chemical & Pharmaceutical: transporting vaccines, medicines and temperature-sensitive chemicals.
- Marine: marine vehicles, such as reefer ships, contribute to the cold chain by transporting large volumes of produce.
Best Practices for Optimising Cold Chain Management
Manufacturers and distributors can optimise their cold chain management through various means, such as:
Improving Transportation Vehicles
Investing in transportation vehicles with high-quality cold storage facilities is one way to improve cold chain management. This allows the products to be kept at the desired temperatures for as long as possible during the transportation stages.
Manufacturers of refrigerated vehicles utilise low-temperature adhesives and sealants to provide improved temperature control and reliability over long working periods in demanding conditions. In addition to manufacturing benefits, fleet operators are able to carry quick and effective repairs and maintenance; increasing workflow efficiency and uptime of vehicles.
Improving Fleet Maintenance
Truck fleets require adequate maintenance and organisation in order to operate smoothly and in accordance with the company’s schedule. As a result, manufacturers and distributors must optimise their fleet maintenance processes to limit the amount of time that vehicles are out of operation. Utilising the right repair solutions allows teams to seriously lower their operational costs and limit unexpected downtimes by utilising repair solutions that are tailored to quick repairs and back to work times. Discover our full guide on improving fleet maintenance here.
Improving Packaging of Materials
By investing in quality packaging, manufacturers can ensure that products are kept in their ideal conditions throughout the cold chain, avoiding any contamination or premature spoiling. One key way to achieve quality and energy-efficient packaging is through the use of thermally conductive adhesives and sealants in food & drinks packaging. Opting for innovative packaging technologies allows manufacturers to ensure further protection of their products by eliminating potential issues relating to external conditions, such as dirt, dust, moisture; keeping product quality and care to a premium standard.
